[1] 1:5-6 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[2] 1:8 Shimei, Rei . guard Or, "Shimei and his friends, the Heroes."

[3] 1:9 En Rogel A spring of water in the valley south of Jerusalem, about 1/4 mile from Gihon Spring.

[4] 1:9 fellowship offering An offering to God that was also eaten by the person giving the sacrifice and shared with others, especially during New Moon celebrations.

[5] 1:33 Gihon Spring A spring of water just outside the city walls in the valley east of Jerusalem. It was the main source of water for the city of Jerusalem.

[6] 1:34 anoint To pour a special oil on people or things to show that they have been chosen by God and set apart for a special work or purpose.

[7] 1:39 Holy Tent Or "Tabernacle," the special tent described in the law of Moses, where God lived among his people and where the Israelite priests performed their worship duties. It was often called the "Meeting Tent" because it was where the Israelites went to meet with God. It was used until Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem.

[8] 1:42 good man Or, "important man." This Hebrew word means a person from an important family.

[9] 1:50 held onto the horns of the altar This showed that he was asking for mercy. The law said that anyone who ran into the Holy Place and held onto the corners of the altar should not be punished.

[10] 2:10 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[11] 2:26 Holy Box See "Box of the Agreement."

[12] 2:27 This . family See 1Samuel 2:27-36.

[13] 2:28 hold onto the horns of the altar This showed that he was asking for mercy. The law said that anyone who ran into the Holy Place and held onto the corners of the altar should not be punished.

[14] 3:1 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[15] 3:2 sacrifice To offer a gift to God as an expression of worship, thanksgiving, or payment for sin. Also, the gift that is offered. In the Old Testament it was usually a special animal that was killed and burned on an altar. The Old Testament sacrifices offered for sins were symbolic of the perfect sacrifice that God himself would provide through Jesus Christ. Jesus gave his own life as a sacrifice to pay for the sins of all people. See Hebrews 10:1-14.

[16] 3:2 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[17] 3:3 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[18] 3:4 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[19] 3:15 Box of the Lord's Agreement See "Box of the Agreement."

[20] 3:15 fellowship offering An offering to God that was also eaten by the person giving the sacrifice and shared with others, especially during New Moon celebrations.

[21] 3:28 the wisdom of God Or, "very great wisdom."

[22] 4:21 sent gifts . life This showed that these countries had made peace agreements with Solomon because of his great power.

[23] 4:22-23 150 bushels Literally, "30 cors" (6600 l).

[24] 4:22-23 300 bushels Literally, "60 cors" (13,200 l).

[25] 4:22-23 deer, gazelles, roebucks Different kinds of wild deer.

[26] 4:26 4000 Hebrew and Latin have 40,000, but see 2 Chron. 9:25.

[27] 4:26 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[28] 4:30 East The area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers as far east as the Persian Gulf.

[29] 4:32 written Literally, "spoken."

[30] 4:32 proverb A wise saying or short story that teaches a lesson.

[31] 4:33 snakes Literally, "creeping things." These can be anything: insects, lizards, snakes, or fish.

[32] 5:6 carpenters People who work with wood. In ancient times, this also meant that they cut the trees.

[33] 5:11 120,000 bushels Literally, "20,000 cors" (4,400,000 l).

[34] 5:11 120,000 gallons Literally, "20,000 baths" (440,000 l).

[35] 5:18 Byblos Literally, "Gebal."

[36] 6:1 480 years . Egypt This was about 960 b.c.

[37] 6:2 60 cubits 102' 3/8" (31.1 m).

[38] 6:2 20 cubits 34' 1/8" (10.37 m). Also in verses 16, 20.

[39] 6:2 30 cubits 51' 3/16" (15.55 m). The ancient Greek version has "25 cubits."

[40] 6:3 10 cubits 17' 1/16" (5.18 m). Also in verses 23, 24-26.

[41] 6:4 These windows . outside Or, "These windows had lattice work over them."

[42] 6:6 5 cubits 8' 6" (2.6 m). Also in verses 10, 24-26.

[43] 6:6 6 cubits 10' 2 7/16" (3.11 m).

[44] 6:6 7 cubits 11' 10 13/16" (3.63 m).

[45] 6:17 40 cubits 68' 1/4" (20.73 m).

[46] 6:19 Box of the Agreement Or, traditionally, "Ark of the Covenant." The special box kept in the Most Holy Place of the Israelite Holy Tent and, later, the Jerusalem Temple. It contained the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them, which were evidence or "proof " of the agreement between God and his people. In some passages it is literally, "Box of the Testimony." See Ex. 25:10-22; 1 Kings 8:1-9.

[47] 6:23 Cherub angels Winged beings like angels that serve God, usually as guards around his throne or other holy places. Two statues of these beings were on the cover of the Box of the Agreement that represented God's presence. See Ex. 25:10-22.

[48] 6:31 The frame . sides This probably means there were three sections that formed an arch at the top of the door.

[49] 6:34 fir A type of tree similar to pine.

[50] 7:2 100 cubits 170' 5/8" (51.83 m).

[51] 7:2 50 cubits 85' 5/16" (25.92 m). Also in verse 6.

[52] 7:2 30 cubits 51' 3/16" (15.55 m). Also in verses 6, 23.

[53] 7:2 capital A decorated cap made of stone or wood and placed on top of each of the columns that support the roof of a building.

[54] 7:10 10 cubits 17' 1/16" (5.18 m). Also in verse 23.

[55] 7:10 8 cubits 13' 7 1/4" (4.2 m).

[56] 7:13 Huram Or, "Hiram." Also in verses 15, 23, 27, 37, 38, 40-45.

[57] 7:14 bronze A type of metal made from copper mixed with tin. The Hebrew word can mean "copper," "brass," or "bronze."

[58] 7:15 18 cubits 30' 7 5/16" (9.33 m).

[59] 7:15 12 cubits 20' 4 7/8" (6.22 m).

[60] 7:15 3 inches Literally, "1 handbreadth" (7.4 cm). Also in verse 26.

[61] 7:15 The columns . 3 inches thick This is from the ancient Greek version. It is not in the standard Hebrew text.

[62] 7:16 5 cubits 8' 6" (2.6 m). Also in verses 19, 23.

[63] 7:18 pomegranate A red fruit filled with tiny seeds, each covered with a sweet, juicy part of the fruit.

[64] 7:26 11,000 gallons Literally, "2000 baths" (44,000 l).

[65] 7:27 4 cubits 6' 9 5/8" (2.1 m). Also in verse 38.

[66] 7:27 3 cubits 5' 1 3/16" (1.55 m).

[67] 7:29 Cherub angels Winged beings like angels that serve God, usually as guards around his throne or other holy places. Two statues of these beings were on the cover of the Box of the Agreement that represented God's presence. See Ex. 25:10-22.

[68] 7:31 1 cubit 20 3/8" (51.83 cm).

[69] 7:31 1 1/2 cubits 30 5/8" (77.75 cm).

[70] 7:33 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[71] 7:38 230 gallons Literally, "40 baths" (880 l).

[72] 8:1 Box of the Agreement Or, traditionally, "Ark of the Covenant." The special box kept in the Most Holy Place of the Israelite Holy Tent and, later, the Jerusalem Temple. It contained the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them, which were evidence or "proof " of the agreement between God and his people. In some passages it is literally, "Box of the Testimony." See Ex. 25:10-22; 1 Kings 8:1-9.

[73] 8:1 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[74] 8:2 the special festival That is, the Festival of Shelters.

[75] 8:3-4 Levite Any of the men from the tribe of Levi, who helped the Israelite priests in the Holy Tent (Tabernacle) and Temple. In later periods some Levites worked for the civil government.

[76] 8:3-4 Holy Box See "Box of the Agreement."

[77] 8:3-4 Meeting Tent See "Holy Tent."

[78] 8:6 Cherub angels Winged beings like angels that serve God, usually as guards around his throne or other holy places. Two statues of these beings were on the cover of the Box of the Agreement that represented God's presence. See Ex. 25:10-22.

[79] 8:10 cloud The special sign that showed God was with his people.

[80] 8:11 Glory of the Lord One of the forms God used when he appeared to people. It was like a bright, shining light. In the book of Numbers it might have been a bright light or a tall cloud.

[81] 8:12 The Lord . dark cloud This is from an ancient version. The Hebrew has only, "The Lord said to dwell in darkness."

[82] 8:16 And I . honored This is from 2 Chron. 6:5-6 and the ancient Greek version. It is not in the standard Hebrew text.

[83] 8:22 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[84] 8:31 oath A strong declaration that one will tell the truth or keep a promise, often using the name of God or something else known to be real or important.

[85] 8:48 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[86] 8:63 fellowship offering An offering to God that was also eaten by the person giving the sacrifice and shared with others, especially during New Moon celebrations.

[87] 8:63 dedicate To set apart something for God or for a special purpose, which means it can then be used only for that purpose.

[88] 8:64 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[89] 8:65 festival This was probably Passover.

[90] 8:65 Then they stayed . 14 days This is not in the ancient Greek version.

[91] 9:13 Cabul This name is like the Hebrew word meaning "worthless."

[92] 9:14 9000 pounds Literally, "120 talents" (4140 kg).

[93] 9:15 Millo Probably the stone foundation walls that were built on the steep slopes southeast of the Temple area in Jerusalem.

[94] 9:19 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[95] 9:24 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[96] 9:25 fellowship offering An offering to God that was also eaten by the person giving the sacrifice and shared with others, especially during New Moon celebrations.

[97] 9:25 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[98] 9:28 16 tons Literally, "420 talents" (14,490 kg).

[99] 10:8 wives This comes from the ancient Greek version. The Hebrew has "men."

[100] 10:10 4 1/2 tons Literally, "120 talents" (4140 kg).

[101] 10:11 special . wood Literally, "almug." No one knows exactly what type of wood this was, but it might have been sandalwood.

[102] 10:12 lyre A musical instrument with strings, like a harp.

[103] 10:12 since then Literally, "to this day," that is, when the book of Kings was written.

[104] 10:14 almost 25 tons Literally, "666 talents" (22,977 kg).

[105] 10:15 merchant A person who earns a living by buying and selling things.

[106] 10:16 15 pounds Literally, "600 shekels" (6.9 kg). Also in verse 29.

[107] 10:17 4 pounds Literally, "3 minas" (1.7 kg).

[108] 10:21 dishes The Hebrew word can mean "dishes," "tools," or "weapons."

[109] 10:22 cargo ships Literally, "ships of Tarshish."

[110] 10:26 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[111] 10:29 almost 4 pounds Literally, "150 shekels" (1.725 kg).

[112] 11:5 Ashtoreth Or "Astarte," an important Canaanite goddess, the wife of the Canaanite god Baal and possibly El. Called the "Queen of Heaven," she was the goddess of love and war.

[113] 11:5 Milcom A god worshiped by the Ammonites.

[114] 11:8 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[115] 11:27 Millo Probably the stone foundation walls that were built on the steep slopes southeast of the Temple area in Jerusalem.

[116] 11:28 free man Or, "a nobleman," someone who could be called to war to protect his people.

[117] 11:28 tribe of Joseph The people from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons.

[118] 11:37 all of Israel That is, the northern ten tribes.

[119] 11:43 died Literally, "slept with his ancestors."

[120] 12:18 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[121] 12:22 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[122] 12:25 Penuel Or, "Peniel."

[123] 12:28 Israel . out of Egypt This is exactly the same thing that Aaron said at the time he made the golden calf in the desert. See Ex. 32:4.

[124] 12:29 Bethel, Dan Bethel was a city in the southern part of Israel, near Judah. Dan was in the northern part of Israel.

[125] 12:31 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[126] 12:32 the festival Probably the Festival of Shelters, a seven day festival that began on the 15th day of the seventh month. See Lev. 23:39-43.

[127] 12:33 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[128] 13:1 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[129] 13:11 prophet A person who speaks a message from God. Many of the books in the Old Testament are messages spoken or written by "the prophets," who were some of those God chose to speak for him. God often used dreams or visions to tell or show his prophets what they should say.

[130] 13:32 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[131] 13:33 people . serve as priests The Law taught that only people from the tribe of Levi could become priests.

[132] 14:15 sacred poles People used these things to worship false gods.

[133] 14:20 died . ancestors Literally, "slept with his ancestors."

[134] 14:23 high places, memorial stones, and sacred poles People used these things to worship false gods.

[135] 14:24 men . for sex Sexual sins like this were a part of the way people worshiped the Canaanite gods.

[136] 14:26 He even took . Jerusalem This is from the ancient Greek version. The standard Hebrew text has, "He even took the gold shields that Solomon had made."

[137] 14:31 died Literally, "slept with his ancestors."

[138] 14:31 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[139] 15:6 This verse is not in the ancient Greek version.

[140] 15:8 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[141] 15:11 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[142] 15:13 Asherah pole A wooden pole (originally, perhaps, a tree trunk) that was set up to honor the goddess Asherah.

[143] 15:14 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[144] 15:24 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[145] 16:9 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[146] 16:24 150 pounds Literally, "2 talents" (69 kg).

[147] 16:31 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[148] 16:33 sacred pole People used these to worship false gods.

[149] 16:34 This happened . Joshua son of Nun See Josh. 6:26.

[150] 17:18 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[151] 18:19 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[152] 18:19 Asherah An important Canaanite goddess, the wife of the Canaanite god El and possibly Baal. People thought she could help them have children.

[153] 18:19 Queen Jezebel . supports Literally, "Those prophets eat at Jezebel's table."

[154] 18:30 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[155] 18:32 about 4 gallons Literally, "2 seahs of seed" (14.6 l).

[156] 18:44 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[157] 19:4 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[158] 19:10 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[159] 19:11 Go, stand . you This is like the time God appeared to Moses. See Ex. 33:12-23.

[160] 19:12 voice Or, "sound."

[161] 19:15 anoint To pour a special oil on people or things to show that they have been chosen by God and set apart for a special work or purpose.

[162] 19:18 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[163] 19:19 Elisha was plowing . came Or, "Elijah was plowing. There were 11 pair before him and he was on the twelfth."

[164] 19:19 coat A special robe that showed Elijah was a prophet. Giving this coat to Elisha showed that Elisha was taking Elijah's place as a prophet.

[165] 19:20 I will not stop you Literally, "What have I done to you?" or "What will I do to you?"

[166] 19:21 yoke A pole that was put across the shoulders of men, usually slaves, or animals and used in pulling or carrying heavy loads.

[167] 20:1 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[168] 20:7 elders (Old Testament) Older men who were city leaders and helped make decisions for the people.

[169] 20:10 souvenirs Things that help people remember places they have been. Literally, the Hebrew has "handfuls of dust."

[170] 20:11 armor The special clothes soldiers wore to protect themselves in war.

[171] 20:25 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[172] 20:28 man of God Another title for a prophet. See "prophet."

[173] 20:31 rough cloth . heads This showed that they were being humble and that they wanted to surrender.

[174] 20:32 brother People who signed peace agreements often called each other "brother." It was as if they were one family.

[175] 20:39 75 pounds Literally, "1 talent" (34.5 kg).

[176] 21:1 vineyard A garden or farm where grapes are grown.

[177] 21:8 elders (Old Testament) Older men who were city leaders and helped make decisions for the people.

[178] 22:10 prophesy To speak or teach things from God.

[179] 22:11 iron horns These were a symbol of great strength.

[180] 22:21 a spirit Or "the Spirit."

[181] 22:34 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[182] 22:43 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[183] 22:43 sacrifice To offer a gift to God as an expression of worship, thanksgiving, or payment for sin. Also, the gift that is offered. In the Old Testament it was usually a special animal that was killed and burned on an altar. The Old Testament sacrifices offered for sins were symbolic of the perfect sacrifice that God himself would provide through Jesus Christ. Jesus gave his own life as a sacrifice to pay for the sins of all people. See Hebrews 10:1-14.

[184] 22:43 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[185] 22:49 King Ahaziah . ships Jehoshaphat controlled the port of Ezion Geber which was Israel's only access to the Red Sea and the coasts of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the coasts leading to the Persian Gulf and India. Ahaziah thought he could get control of that area by "helping" Jehoshaphat.

[186] 22:50 City of David Jerusalem, especially the southeastern and oldest part of the city.

[187] 22:53 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.